RebKell's Junkie Boards

[Alepp03]

2005 WNBA DRAFT, ROUND 1

1 Charlotte Sting -- Janel McCarville... I doubt anyone Charlotte will pick would become a starter and McCarville gives them better depth in the post. I think that Tyger, Mazz, Feaster, and Sam will fill in the 2 and 3 spots sufficiently and there isn't a lot of minutes to be played behind Staley. They will look to find a backup PG later. McCarville should help with rebounding and keeps them strong.

2 Indiana Fever -- Tan White... I think that the Fever will want to go for sure-fire points. With Nat, Schu, and hopefully (for their sake) an improved Hoffman down low, they have an okay rotation. Catchings can move down low in a pinch. However, their backcourt is a little more iffy in my opinion. Coretta Brown hasn't really panned out, Tully certainly isn't going to provide much a scoring bunch, and Deanna Jackson should really be playing as a 3. The bulk of the guard scoring load has fallen on Kelly Miller, and she needs help.

3 Phoenix Mercury -- Sandora Irvin... A young post that can be groomed to play within the teams offense and alongside the most exciting perimeter in the league is rather appealing for both Irvin and the Mercury. Irvin will give them a little more heigth, and the benefit of being a true post. She should look good next to Special-K.

4 San Antonio Silver Stars -- Jacqueline Batteast... The SASS haven't seemed to really tip their hat, except for the fact that they haven't gone out and tried to sign a wing. The backcourt looks set, and I think that Batteast's ability to go down low, and the prospect of developing consistency with her range combined with her height will be a package that the Stars won't want to pass on.

5 Houston Comets -- Kendra Wecker... Fingers crossed harder than they've ever been crossed in my life. Wecker could give an offensive punch to the Comet backcourt that would allow Janeth to be the point, which would be a severe upgrade over Sheila Lambert. While it doesn't exactly leave them with the greatest handles back there, the defense should be very solid and it gives the Comets a 3pt shooter they lack with Tina out.

6 Washington Mystics -- Temeka Johnson... I think they will want a pure point guard which will cause them to shy away from Dionnah Jackson who for some reason is being sold as a 2-guard in the WNBA. Washington will have passed up an opportunity to make a great steal with Jackson, but Adams will be happy with Johnson as his starter as soon as possible.

7 Detroit Shock -- Kristen Mann... My guess is that Bill didn't exactly fall in love with anyone in this draft that he sees as a great fit for his team. However, Mann provides size and a backup for Swin. The backcourt, especially if Ivey joins the team, is solidified with EP, Nolan and Chandi. The frontcourt looks huge again with Ford, Farris, Ruth, the new Russian, and Iciss. Regardless, I can't see Bill making it through the draft without a trade.

8 Connecticut Sun -- Sancho Lyttle... While Feenstra provides a lot of size, I think that Lyttle can provide tenacious defense and rebounding that will allow Taj to focus on offense. I think that signing Wendy wouldn't be the worst insurance policy for this team. Regardless, Lyttle may not be ideal, but I would take her over Margo essentially because she has a lot of upside as a strong athlete who can get a lot stronger.

9 Sacramento Monarchs --Jess Strom... The issue of shooting range, as well as a backup PG who can leave Lawson at the 2 is something that Sacramento needs to address. Strom has the range, dicsipline as a point guard, good handles, and is a smart player. To do their usual best player available trick would be avoiding an issue that has bitten them in the butt too many times.

10 New York Liberty -- Dionnah Jackson... There's no banger available and no real post help in the near future, but even if there were, who says Blaze would want to address the same need that has been nagging them since the ditching of Tari last season. D-Train will be relied upon as the "banger" option, and Ann will play a lot of minutes. Jackson is an opportunity for the Libs to pick up a PG of their future, who of course, isn't a pure PG, so even better. She can push Becky to the 2, and keep points coming from the PG spot, all the while keeping in line with the usual turnovers that marred Becky as the PG. While this is one of the last places I would like to see DJ, I feel this may be where she winds up.

11 Minnesota Lynx -- Kristen Haynie... Haynie will them depth at the PG position while Jacobs will be allowed to backup at the 2, her more natural position. Minnesota is merely plugging up the minor holes as Svet is signed, and the post is solid. Katie Smith will return to hopefully push this team at least one round further, and continue the progress of this club.

12 Seattle Storm -- Shyra Ely... Without a trade, I don't see a way around this pick. There just isn't a clear wing in this draft, and especially none available at 12. Ely will do her best, but I can't imagine that she will be able to fill the hole left by Sam in terms of on court ability. Off and on court personality may actually be a perfect fit however.

13 Washington Mystics -- Jessica Moore... After picking up a PG, then Mystics next concern became the post, and they didn't see anything they liked, and don't want to wait for Braxton, which was likely their best option. So they went with a Huskie with potential, just how much is a huge question mark.

2005 WNBA DRAFT, ROUND 2

14 San Antonio Silver Stars -- Steffanie Blackmon... She's a solid forward with a pretty solid skill set and a National Championship. She's not a world beater, but she could certainly turn into a nice backup.

15 Houston Comets -- Tanisha Wright... The best player available who again fits into the defensive focus of the Comets and who adds more scoring ability than Ragland. Wouldn't be the worst backup to Swoopes in the world, but while she does have some offense, it's not enough to make an immediate impact.

16 Indiana Fever -- Kara Braxton... The Fever need to do something down low and she's the best talent available. The Fever can't really wait too long for her, but given the other options, they can't do a whole ton better.

17 Minnesota Lynx -- Heather Schreiber... The girl who looked like a budding superstar as a sophmore dropped off over the next couple seasons, but the skills are there. Is it a motivation issue? SMS and the Lynx can afford to check out the situation, and Schreiber could turn out to be an excellent backup at the 3.

18 Phoenix Mercury -- Yolanda Paige... In an effort to draft a true point guard, as there are no real enticing posts available, they go for Paige who averaged 9 assists this past season. Something tells me that Diana, DeFore, and Penny would knock down a few shots for the gal.

19 Washington Mystics -- Roneeka Hodges... The Mystics pick a player that just got her first taste of being a scorer. She is a good sized guard and could bring some offense off the bench.

20 Detroit Shock -- Laurie Koehn... Someone who can bomb from long range and is fearless.

21 Connecticut Sun -- Katie Feenstra... Well surprise, surprise, Connecticut comes back around and decides, hey, now we have two baskets for our eggs.

22 Sacramento Monarchs -- Kelley Suminski... In order to stay with the whole NorCal obsession thing, and Suminski has good range, is tough, and could serve the Monarchs well off the bench in both guard spots.

23 New York Liberty -- Catherine Kraayeveld... Because why in the heck wouldn't they want another post that prefers to shoot jumpers and 3s?

24 Charlotte Sting -- Nikkita Bell... The girl has decent size and could provide solid perimeter defense for the team, as well as being a UNC product.

25 Seattle Storm -- Angelia Williams... Another player that Anne can try at the 3 who is a solid athlete and put the ball in the hole well in the Big Ten, but is clearly no gaurantee that she can transfer her skills to the pros who will be much more physical with her.

26 Los Angeles Sparks -- DeeDee Wheeler... She is small but brings energy and a knack for scoring. She's also very very cheap and plays a position that LA lacks.

2005 WNBA DRAFT, ROUND 3

27 San Antonio Silver Stars -- Cisti Greenwalt... Hooray for another Texas product staying in the state. Oy. It's clearly getting pretty late in the draft.

28 Houston Comets -- Anne O'Neil... She has very nice range and could stick around considering our pathetic bench.

29 Indiana Fever -- Caitty Matter... Another player that may help provide perimeter scoring... or not make the team.

30 Sacramenton Monarchs -- Ashley Early... Probably the best player left in the draft who despite her size who had good success this past year in the SEC. She'd have to beat Maiga for a spot likely, and if Maiga has continued to improve, that won't be the easiest task.

31 Phoenix Mercury -- Ashley Battle... We will just call this DT's decision and leave it at that.

32 Washington Mystics -- Jessalyn Deveny... A proven scorer who is injured, but could be a solid backup upon her return.

33 Detroit Shock -- Kelly Roehrig... Bill likes size, but will force her to get into better shape. If she can do that, she may find a way to stick in the league, opposed to becoming Tasha Erb.

34 Connecticut Sun -- Jenni Dant... She is a point guard with size who would maybe be able to stick if she can beat Jen Deverjanik out.

35 Sacramento Monarchs -- Jamie Carey... Gives them another shot at a backup PG, another former Stanford player, and someone who can hit the three. Still, there are tons of question marks that surround this tough competitor.

36 New York Liberty -- Loree Moore... Another possible backup PG. Is she better than KB Sharp, who knows.

37 Minnesota Lynx -- Erica Smith-Taylor... Showed a lot of promise in last year's NCAA tournament before turning up pregnant. Could possibly find a spot in the league if she gets back into shape.

38 Seattle Storm -- Megan Mahoney... Yet another option at SF who can do a few things okay, like decent range, smart decision maker, decent defender, but has no clear top skill.

39 Los Angeles Sparks -- Chelsea Newton... A cog in the Rutgers team this past season. Longshot.

_________________
In a world full of people only some want to fly, isn't that crazy?

[threefrom60]

I absolutely don't like the general consensus that the Storm will draft Ely in the first round. Coach Donovan is a huge fan of Alicia Thompson's, and I think going in to this season, the starting role is hers to win. If Wecker or Batteast were going to still be available, I think she'd take them, but since they'll be gone, I don't see her drafting a rookie to compete for a spot as a 3 on this team. I like Kevin Pelton's mock draft choice on the storm's webpage the best so far - Tanisha Wright, to back up Betty Lennox.

[stever]

Wow, all three rounds! Nicely done!

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[threefrom60]

My dislike of the Ely pick aside (and I admit, maybe I am biased, being a Uconn fan... ) it was really ambitious of you to do all 3 rounds; something I hadn't seen anyone attempt yet! Awesome job.

[Alepp03]

I should have made it clear that I don't really like the Ely pick that much, I just think that in the end, that is what it will come down to. Someone has to fill that void.

I like the Tanisha Wright idea, as I think she will be a very solid backup in the league. Heather Schreiber was my other thought as to someone who could possibly be picked up to help fill the 3 spot. I also thought that they should have made a pitch for Lassiter.

_________________
In a world full of people only some want to fly, isn't that crazy?

[threefrom60]

You mean, a pitch to get Lassiter back in a Storm uni? Maybe that isn't what you meant, but if it was... that'll never happen. There is some bad blood between Amanda and the Storm organization after she was traded to Minnesota. The main reason I think they'll look at a backup 2 guard is that last year they went the whole year without a backup for Betty. Michelle Greco was the backup 2, and she never got ANY minutes, except when Betty broke her nose. During the majority of the season, when Betty got a rest, Tully came in to the play the point, and Sue moved over to the 2 spot. I don't think that's a permanent solution, because if Sue is gonna be using energy and being on the floor, she ought to be running the offense. I don't like the players in camp (Jessica Bibby, Shaquala Williams, Greco, or Adrienne Williams) as significant minute getting backup shooting guards for the future. They're mostly too offensive minded, as is Lennox, and a defensive specialist guard to help fill the void left by Tully's departure would be perfect..

[CamrnCrz1974]

Let us give ALepp his due for doing all three rounds. A tremendous task...a job well done.

My comment...I don't believe SASS will take Batteast if Wecker is still available. Three point shooting has been a major weakness for the Silver Stars, and Wecker can shore up that weakness better than Batteast, IMHO.

[Alepp03]

[MNfan22]

First let me say Alepp your the man !
I don't mean to 'mock' your draft as I'm to lazy & unfocused to put myself on the line & do one Glad someone has given me things to think about. With that .....

My 2 cents on my Lynx:

Guards coming in not named K. Smith are going to be competing for jobs big time. Amber Jacobs & If/when Harrower signs are the 2 locks for me. Butts needs to really show some stuff if she want to make the roster & Nuria M. from Spain should be in camp as well. For lack of any better alterntives they need to get Lass & SLT signed to sure up SF spot.

Haynie I like & can live with. She is at least someone who is not outside the 'blinders' of MN fans even though she didn't wear maroon & gold.

Heather Schreiber really doesn't float my boat this yr or last wkend @ the All-Star gm. She just doesn't strike me as being quick enough or able to defend SF at the next level. I liked what little I saw of Yolanda Paige on TV this yr. I don't know much about the kid but she caught my eye and w/the right team could maybe be a steal. Another gurad in camp wouldn't hurt.

Megan Mahoney, man if she was healthy & still on the board for our 2nd pick she would be my choice. I would assume a team could draft her & put her on the suspended list to hold her rights. Unless there is some euro players they like or anyone else that knocks their socks off, I'd use our 3rd pic on Mahoney.

[CamrnCrz1974]

Go Alepp! Go Alepp! Go Alepp!

[Alepp03]

MnFan, thanks for your comments!

My thoughts on the Lynx situation going into the draft:

Minnesota, with the signings of Harrower and Svet, is probably one club who knows who they are starting and what the game plan is. This club is on a mission to push past the first round of playoffs. The gals on this team are winners and tough.

In terms of the bench, I think you rose a very interesting point. Hayden will be the primary post off the bench to spell Tamika and Ohlde. Jacobs showed great promise last season and I feel will make the team. Given situation...

Harrower/Jacobs
Smith/Jacobs
Svet
Tamika/Hayden
Ohlde/Hayden

The next priority is a SF backup. Lassiter has not been signed, and IMO won't be. I have no idea where she may end up, having just heard there is bad blood between her and Anne Donovan. So, Lovelace-Tolbert becomes the backup 3 and the next off the bench down low.

Amend the situation above to....

Svet/Tolbert

So the issue becomes - is Jacobs a PG or a shooting guard. I think she is a shooting guard with above average handles. Backing up Smith is where she should be. She has a sweet shot that can spell Katie for 8 or so minutes a game during the season. Butts was tough and a hustler, but can't rely on any other real skill outside of defense and spurt scoring. I don't forsee her making the roster this season if Haynie is on the team. She isn't a 3 in the WNBA.

Okay, so Tolbert is really more of a downlow player, so I think that she should remain the 4th post, and picking up a true wing would be a significant move for the team. Schreiber has a good skill set. She isn't that quick, but she does provide offense and good shooting. Minnesota, given that they have Tolbert as a 3 backup as well, I feel can take the risk of Schreiber not panning out to be an okay backup, especially considering the reward could be the player from 2003 who was a go-to scorer who could do a lot of things with the ball in her hands, and hit from long range. Also, Smith can move to the 3 and Jacobs and Harrower can take up the guard spots. Minnesota has perimeter and post versatility and IMO is in the best position of any team in the draft to take a chance on Schreiber.

_________________
In a world full of people only some want to fly, isn't that crazy?

[Alepp03]

I have a lot of time on my hands these days to do mock drafts. I injured my shoulder last weekend in a volleyball tournament and I am "questionable" for nationals next weekend in Kansas City. Depressed would be an understatement, so I take my mind off of one passion by indulging another.

Crossed figners for Kendra Wecker and getting to play at Nationals. I have started all season and this is quite a bit of a shakeup for my team. And I promise the - there's more to life than volleyball - stuff, it just ain't cuttin it!

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In a world full of people only some want to fly, isn't that crazy?

[wadethered]

I feel for you, Alepp. I really do. But I doubt with every bone in my body that SA would pass up Kendra Wecker for Jackie Batteast.

Wecker is a good fit for Houston, but she is a perfect fit for SA.

[Alepp03]

If Wecker is selected by the SASS, I would really like the Comets to go with Dionnah Jackson. People need to get real, Temeka Johnson will be good despite 5'2, but Jackson will be great and 5'9.

_________________
In a world full of people only some want to fly, isn't that crazy?

[MNfan22]

I'm a volleyBALLER, well used to be. V-ball was my passion.

I feel for you. Yrs back my USVBA team was playing in a regional qualifing tourney. Regions were in Chicago, yahoo ! We made the semis & we were on a roll & then slam/aahhh ! The slam was my hit- point us & the ahhh was me when I came down funny on my foot. Thought I sprained it really bad but more of the foot hurt. Got taped up but I could barly walk. We lost & I limped home. Iced & kept my foot up thru the night but by 6am couldn't take the pain anymore & went to the hospital. Of course I broke my foot

Worst, we finished 3rd & found out 2 days later 1 of the top 2 teams couldn't go to Regions & we got the call to go. Depressed I followed the team to Chicago anyway & instead of being the starting setter I had to crutch around w/a clipboard. Not to toot my own horn but the offese was not running like a well oiled machine & we got bounced early. Hitting the bars after proved to work out well for me though people kept buying me drinks for some reason folks felt sorry for the chick w/the crutches

Nice view on my team by the way. If they can stay healthy I think they'll be a team to watch out for. Not sure though what Lass relationship w/Storm has to do w/her & the Lynx, she seemed to be comfortable here. You know something ?

[Keegan]

I'd be surprised if Strom goes first round and Batteast is picked over Wecker. There was that Batteast article posted that gave the impression that she would go mid first-round.

Great work, Alepp. I'll do a full three rounder for my final mock draft.

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Beware of snarky monotremes...

[Alepp03]

Thanks Keegs, the master of the mock draft... *half rolls eyes half laughs*

If you were to know me personally, or at least see my brackets in tourney time, I think you'd understand my mock draft a little more. I like to take chances, but I generally have an overriding theme. In bracketology I generally focus on guard production and defense against top teams and take a top post player as an X-factor. Some years it works better than others.

Also, I have to go with my heart sometimes, or refuse to go with my heart. Dionnah Jackson with the Comets is what I want personally. Temeka Johnson is what I expect. Kendra Wecker is best case scenario. So I refused my heart and went with best case scenario, and left Jackson til New York, which I just think may happen with the buzz of her being a 2 in the WNBA and Temeka Johnson being sold as the top PG (I disagree).

I think that we should try to sort of compile a list of the mock drafts and kind of take each draft as a vote for each player going in a certain position and make like a master mock draft for the board before the 16th.

NOTE: I will be out of town and this gets to be someone else's responsibility to appease me jk, it'd just be interesting to see if we can get close if we put our minds together.

_________________
In a world full of people only some want to fly, isn't that crazy?

[Str8_Butta]

[herrade]

for janel's sake, i hope she doesn't go to charlotte (aka, where rookies go to die). it seems like it would be in everyone's best interest for charlotte to trade their pick.

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A single act of carelessness leads to the eternal loss of beauty.

[1carol]

[rebkell]

[threefrom60]

This might not be a popular thing to do, but I'm gonna put it in baseball terms. If a guy has hit in every level of the minor leagues, then they say he's certain to hit in the big leagues, as long as he gets some consistant at-bats. If a player is taken high in the draft, then the skills are already there, they just have to get to know the pro game. They deserve playing time other than garbage minutes to get comfortable. Charlotte may be where rookies go to die, but I fear it is Anne Donovan's influence that has made Trudi Lacey feel that way. You can argue that the Seattle/Minnesota trade last year won them the championship (I can argue against that) but just imagine what AD could have done with Nicole Ohlde. I salivate over the idea of a Jackson/Ohlde front court. But Ohlde would have wasted away in Seattle last year. She wouldn't have gotten the immediate starting role here like she did in Minny. That right there gave her the confidence - she already had the skill set. Janel probably deserves to start wherever she goes. She should at least be given the chance.

[pilight]

[threefrom60]

Yep, that was exactly my point. I think Trudi is the way she is with rookies in large part because AD, her mentor, is that way. In hindsight, knowing we were to lose Kamila so soon, I would have loved for Ohlde to be here now. However, like you said, she would have sat behind Simone (ridiculous) and been labled a bust.

[Str8_Butta]